Trying to quit smoking can be as hard as trying to stop talking over the phone for a teenage girl or your dependence on a four wheeler to take you around town. You may have thought about quitting, but you cant seem to kick the butt. Fret not; we give you the top 10 ways that will help you quit smoking. *Images courtesy: Thinkstock photos/ Getty Images

Recognise that smoking is a habit.

Isn’t it something you cannot live without doing? You are dependent on smokes to get you through the day. Your day revolves around smoking. It can play with your personal life and health. Hence it is important to quit smoking and break the habit.

Most smokers believe that they can quit smoking whenever they feel like it. Reality speaks differently. Acknowledging that it is a habit and one you need to break is the first step toward quitting.

Draw a plan to quit smoking.

Smoking is like a workout schedule. You know exactly when you crave a smoke and you know exactly what triggers off the urge to smoke.

Pack your day with events and programs that will help you curb the urge to smoke. Slowly cut down the number of smokes you have for the day; this will help you set a date.

Set a realistic date.

Yes you need to fix a date, a deadline for your last puff of smoke. This will help you train yourself mentally and physically to give up your dependence on nicotine.

But be realistic about it. For instance if you're up for a stressful time at work, try not to coincide it with life-altering plan since they're sure to backfire. However, if you feel you are strong enough to do this, then by all means go ahead.

Surround yourself with supportive friends.

This is really important; avoid friends who coax you to smoke. But surround yourself with non smokers; you will not have feel the urge to smoke a cigarette.

Create a non smoking environment at work.

Put up reminders on your desk that say something like ‘Quit Smoking.’ When you are stressed, find another alternative to smoking.

Avoid taking smoke breaks.

Whether you are in college or working, reduce the number of smoke breaks that you take in a day. This will help you reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke.

Find the root cause of the problem for smoking.

You may have started smoking due to peer pressure, but if you increase the number of cigarettes you smoke in a day, you need to evaluate the problem. It could be stress, problems in your personal life or bleak financial problems.

Control withdrawal symptoms with NRT.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy products are available in several forms like the nicotine patch, gum or lozenge and help deal with nicotine withdrawals. However, NRT theory and studies aren't conclusive.

Create a new habit.

Find a replacement every time you want to smoke; pick up a book, play your favourite video game, maybe even start gardening. Divert your mind whenever you feel like puffing on a cigarette.

Take up exercises to quit smoking.

Once you kick the butt, you need to improve your overall health and well-being. Exercise will help build your stamina and respiratory system. Quit smoking, stay fit and add years to your life.